DeKalb County deputies continue to investigate death of 17-year-old teen

FORT PAYNE, Alabama -- Deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the death of a teenager found Wednesday at a residence on County Road 1931 in Crossville.

Deputies have identified the 17-year-old male, but are unable to release his name at this time since they continue to make contact with family members, according to Sheriff Jimmy Harris.

The teen's body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Harris said in a press release that it doesn't appear "at this time" that foul play was a factor, but "it hasn't been completely ruled out." Sheriff officials will know once the autopsy and blood work are completed.

Investigators with the Sheriff's Office have been interviewing three other teens between the ages of 14 and 16 who had been with the 17-year-old teen at the residence. According to Harris, the group of teenagers were reportedly at a bonfire behind the home Tuesday night.

"We are continuing to assimilate information as to the circumstances surrounding the death," Harris said in a press release. "We will release additional information as it becomes available.

"I'd like to extend special thanks to Crossville Police Department for their assistance in this case thus far," he said.